Holy Loch Port, Glasgow attractions. Contact / About Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, renowned for its culture, architecture, fashion and hospitality, is an exciting and vibrant destination to a journey of extraordinary beauty. On your way to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, you will enjoy a journey of extraordinary beauty. There are five picturesque lochs on the way, each with a character of its own, taking you from the sea at the Firth of Clyde to fresh water lochs in the heart of the Highlands and up-river to the city of Glasgow. Begin your tour at the Holy Loch, which carves into the northern shores of the Firth of Clyde, with its stunning mountain backdrop. The Holy Loch’s deep water and sheltered position, coupled with its strategic importance on the edge of Europe, attracted the US Navy to establish a base here between 1961 and 1992. The narrow tranquil waters of Loch Eck, with its tree-clad slopes, lead you northward to the long sea arm of Loch Fyne, which reaches far into the mountains of Argyll.

Leaving Loch Fyne behind, you climb through spectacular glens and by rushing torrents, finally dropping to aptly named Loch Long, another narrow inlet of the sea. Briefly rounding the northern end of the loch to the village of Arrochar, you can look back at the dramatic “Arrochar Alps”. Within a few minutes you will cut east through the hills to the village of Tarbet on the banks of Loch Lomond, with its romantic associations with King Robert the Bruce and folk hero and outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor. The magnificent Ben Lomond dominates the famous “bonny banks” of Loch Lomond. Soon you will overlook the upper reaches of the River Clyde on your way to the City of Glasgow. Rich in style and culture, Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, is a revelation to its growing number of visitors. Its blend of internationally acclaimed museums and galleries, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, fabulous shopping and top class wining and dining prove irresistible. At the heart of Glasgow, George Square and the spectacular City Chambers – centre of local government in Glasgow – are surrounded by lively streets, peopled by shoppers, office workers and visitors, and enhanced by many tranquil, leafy parks.

Holy Loch Self Catering - Luxury Lodge Your Accommodation Local Area Information Enquiries + Bookings Travel Directions Local Mountain Biking Loch Eck and Fishing Fantastic Day Trips The Cowal Peninsula Loch Long Wildlife and Fishing Once home to Viking invaders nestles by the shore of majestic Loch Long a remarkably deep sea Loch extending nearly 20 miles from the Firth of Clyde to the east of the Cowal peninsula, to Arrochar in the North just 2 miles from Loch Lomond. Loch Goil also forms a branch on its western side. Loch Long width of between one and two miles is essentially a flooded valley carved out in the last ice age. Very close in by the shore the waters are deep. The fjord like appearance of Loch Long is emphasized by the name of the shoreside village “Ardentinny” once home to Viking invaders. Wildlife overflows in this area expect to see a variety of Marine animals from Common Grey Seals and Porpoise, Bottlenose Dolphin, Basking Shark and even Minke Whale.

Bird life from many Herons and Mute Swans to Gannets, Herons, Eider Ducks, Guillemots, Black Guillemots, Manx Shearwater, Kittiwakes, Shag, Common Terns, winter Wigeon, Oyster Catchers, Curlew, Lapwings. For the fisherman stocks of Sea Salmon, Brown trout, shoals of mackerel and some Pilchard. Why visit Argyll, Cowal and Bute? Why not head North to Oban and Fort William? 90% of Scotland’s most appreciated tourist do just that…year after year. Yet Argyll, Cowal and Bute offer you the most populated area of lochs and walkways, spectacular scenery, botanic gardens, castles and wildlife in Scotland and because it is off the beaten tourist track, a very peaceful and relaxing place in which to stay. The very best of Scotland in miniature and packed into an area of only 35 x 25 miles and all within 60 minutes Drive of Sanna Cottage, Loch Long.

“If you want to see all the best highlights and delights of Scotland… stay in Cowal for a week or two” The Cowal peninsula offers you “Scotland in Miniature” the most populated area of Lochs, Forest Trails, Walkways, Spectacular Scenery, Gardens, Castles and Wildlife in the whole of Scotland, all crammed into a area of just 35 x 25 miles! Making touring the attractions simple and economical, so treat yourselves to a great value holiday of Relaxation, Walking, Fishing, Golfing and Bird watching. The Benmore botanic Gardens and it’s Giant Redwoods (a short drive away) Discover the true beauty and history of Scotland The Cowal peninsula and Argyll Forest Park, some 54,000 acres, offer you a wide range of sporting activities including golf, fishing, various pleasure cruises, mountain-biking, cycling, organised horse riding and of course sailing and other water-based sports. For the walker choose from Seaside / Loch side trails to Woodland forest trails through what is accepted as the most beautiful scenic area of Scotland, notably Pucks Glen, Glenbranter and the magnificent world renowned “Benmore Botanic Gardens”.

Loch Eck and Argyll Your Accommodation Local Area Information Enquiries + Bookings Travel Directions Local Mountain Biking Loch Eck and Fishing Fantastic Day Trips The Cowal Peninsula Magnificent Loch Eck just over 6 miles long and 67 feet above sea level, scythes through the centre of the Cowal Peninsula, surrounded by high, forested hills. The loch epitomizes Cowal – rugged and spectacular but at the same time peaceful, where you can while away the hours walking, taking in the scenery and fishing in Loch Eck for Salmon trout, the Gwyniad or fresh-water Herring and a remarkably translucent fish 4 or 5 inches long called the Goldie. Captivating Bute, once the island retreat of Scottish kings, lies at the heart of the Firth of Clyde, and is the favorite destination of the famous ‘Waverley’, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. The area abounds in wildlife. Seagulls, Cormorants, Gannets, Eider Ducks and Swans and Seals are frequent passers-by.

The Coylet Inn by Loch Eck and Autumn views of Loch Eck Activities on your doorstep or less than 1 hours travel There are numerous scenic forest walks and loch side trails with signposted footpaths, in particular to Carrick Castle on the shores of Loch Goil and through the sprawling Argyll Forest Park area. There are 3 local golf courses within easy reach of you accommodation Innellan and Blairmore (both competitive 9 hole course) and the Cowal golf course, Dunoon (18 holes). Fishing and sea angling is available on your doorstep either from the banks of the Clyde below the front garden or the old pier. Numerous nearby rivers offer Brown Trout, Salmon and Sea Salmon. For those wishing to cruise on Loch Eck, motor or rowing boats are available to hire. Toward Castle is now a residential training centre operated by Actual Reality Scotland and offers fantastic days out for bored restless children, Castle Towards outdoor education activities include catwalks and a high jump, as well as gorge walks and hill walks. The castles long history has led to a number of ghost stories. As well as outdoor education, the house is used for residential courses for young people in music and art.

The Glasgow Schools’ Symphony Orchestra and West of Scotland Schools’ Symphony Orchestra visit regularly. The children’s BBC TV series Raven also use Castle Toward as a film location. You can contact Actual Reality Scotland Tel: 01369 870249 Fax: 01369 870337. In Dunoon there is an excellent new indoor swimming pool. Around the area lie quaint lochside villages. Further north is Strone, Ardentinny and Strachur…further north still is Inveraray, Lochgoilhead and Oban all with extensive facilities. The Arrochar Alps… gloriously rugged peaks for the more serious hill walker, stand high above Loch Long, looking onto the ‘Rest and be Thankful’, a fine viewpoint where cattle drovers once enjoyed a well deserved break after a tough climb. To the East, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs – Scotland’s first National park.

The Benmore Botanical Gardens Your Accommodation Local Area Information Enquiries + Bookings Travel Directions Local Mountain Biking Loch Eck and Fishing Fantastic Day Trips The Cowal Peninsula The Benmore Gardens is a specialist garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, is a magnificent woodland garden set amidst the mountains of the Cowal Peninsula. Its 140 acres are renowned for the wide collection of trees and shrubs, which includes over 250 species of rhododendrons. One of the most spectacular views is the avenue of Giant Redwood trees (pictured below) which greets every visitor on entering the garden. Throughout there are waymarked walks, which lead to a beautiful pond and formal garden which display a wide variety of Himalayan and Oriental plants. Continue up the richly planted hill slopes, which rise to 450 feet to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the Eachaig valley and the Holy Loch. Refreshments are available. The Botanics Shop sells a range of books, gifts and plants some of which can be found in the garden. Facilities are also provided for those less able, including wheelchairs.

The Pucks Glen Forest and Waterfall Walks Within an easy 20 minute drive, you can also access lot’s of waterfalls at Pucks Glen and a choice of 3 mouth watering woodland trails Pet Friendly, sign posted and marked out offering a sometimes tropical rainforest feel with magnificent views from the summits. The waterfalls walk (below) features a meandering tour up the valley involving a series bridges crossing streams, cascading waterfalls and pools, particularly delightful after a strong downpour of rain! The Pucks Glen Waterfalls Walks (less than 15 minutes away) The Glen Massan trail In the same area as Pucks Glen and the Benmore gardens, you will also find at the end of a delightful single track trail that Glen Massan a great place to visit, particularly for fishing, leisure walkers, pet owners and those just seeking the peace and quiet. Here you can walk for miles along the easy the going river trail, there are also more challenging forest trails for the serious walkers and plenty of good places for a picnics.

The Spectacular Kyles of Bute The spectacular Kyles of Bute as seen on television, can be easily reached in less than 1 hour away and well worth the journey as you pass through some delightful little villages, Lochs, forest and Glens on the way there. The Spectacular Kyles of Bute (less than 1 hours drive away) The magical Isle of Bute Combine these most spectacular views…with a trip to the captivating Isle of Bute a beautiful little island about 15 miles long and nearly 5 miles wide and within a hours drive, always a favorite day trip with much to offer with hills in the North and plenty of sandy beaches, ruined chapels and castles, yachting, fishing, golf, etc. Bute’s many gardens benefit from the Gulf Stream which gives the island a mild climate enabling palm trees and other exotic plants to grow here. One of the main visitor attractions is the spectacular Mount Stuart house and gardens. Canada hill offers the best views from this island.

Bute Castle (left) and “Mount Stuart” and it’s gardens (centre) and the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Bute (right) Dunoon and the Cowalfest The highly popular October walking festival know as the Cowalfest is now firmly established as a highlight of the year in the Cowal calendar, with all the walks graded and numbered. There are also cultural and social events to accompany this event, which usually last about 10 days around the middle of the month – A ‘must’ for walkers! and based around the popular capital town Dunoon, which offers all services, including 2 x supermarkets, high street shops include giftware, electrical, grocery, health. One local hospital (Dunoon general), doctor, vet. Numerous leisure facilities include crown green bowling, tennis courts, swimming baths, quad biking, golf and crazy golf. There are 2 ferry regular ferry crossings to Gourock and the Waverley Puffer calls in the summer.

Panoramas of Dunoon, the high street and square Inveraray it’s castle, the old Jail, the Puffer and museum Well worth a visit during your stay and less than 60 minutes drive is the lovely town of Inveraray (Inbhir Aora in Gaelic) a former royal burgh in Argyll and Bute, located on the western shore of Loch Fyne near its head. One time traditional county town of Argyll and ancestral home to the Duke of Argyll, who founded the town in 1745, alongside his new home, Inveraray Castle . Its distinctive white buildings on the loch shore make it very photogenic and it is a very popular tourist destination, with a number of attractions in addition to the castle. The Georgian Inveraray Jail in the burgh is now a museum . Other attractions include the Argyll Folk Museum at Auchindrain. The Celtic Inveraray Cross can also been seen in the town. The Arctic Penguin ship Maritime Museum is moored at the pier, along with the Clyde puffer VIC 72, renamed Eilean Eisdeal.

Panorama of Inverary (left) the high street, the harbour, the castle and estate (right) Oban “The Gateway to the Isles” Just over 60 minutes drive away lies the busy fishing town of Oban “The Gateway to the Isles” with supermarkets, high street stores, Shops, restaurants and Pubs. Oban is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William and occupies a beautiful setting in the Firth of Lorn. Oban Bay is a near perfect horseshoe bay, protected by the island of Kerrera, and beyond Kerrera is Mull. To the north is the long low island of Lismore, and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour. Oban has a large Gaelic speaking population. All road and street signs are translated into the Scottish language. Attractions in Oban include the Waterfront Centre, the Cathedral of St Columba, the Oban Distillery , Dunollie Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and McCaig’s Tower , which dominates the town’s skyline. From here you can easily extend your day trip by taking the Calmac ferry to visit the Isle of Mull, Tobermory (The fictional Balamory) and the sacred Isle of Iona.

Tobermory “the fictional Balamory” Seil, Luing and Easdale Island Approx 90 minutes drive away lies the delightful inner hebridean chain of 3 small Islands. Accessed via the unique and only bridge over the “Atlantic” Seil Island leads to the historic Easdale slating Island via foot ferry to the West from Ellanbeich. To the south lies the delightful island of Luing accessed via car ferry. Easdale made famous by it’s many picture postcard appearances has a population of around 150 people and the centre of population including a village shop and Pub is based around the beautiful harbour inlet. Luings major areas of population lie around Tobernochry and Cullipool and is accessed by a short car ferry crossing from the south of Seil Island.

The bridge over the Atlantic (left) leads to Seil, Luing (centre) and Easdale (right) The endangered Red Squirrel Around the Cowal peninsula, you will see many of the endangered Red squirrels they have a typical head to body length of 19 to 23 a tail length of 15 to 20 cm and a mass of 250 to 340. The red squirrel is slightly smaller than the common eastern grey squirrel, unfortunately the grey squirrel is the main reason for the red squirrels decline and you will see particularly in this area of Cowal, the many measures taken to try to preserve this endangered species such as their own rope bridges and tunnels across the busier roads ! Mountain bikes and Walking Holidays Your Accommodation Local Area Information Enquiries + Bookings Travel Directions Local Mountain Biking Loch Eck and Fishing Fantastic Day Trips The Cowal Peninsula Along with numerous local walks, more serious walkers can sample a part / all of the Cowal way. The Cowal Way is a long distance footpath split into 6 sections, running the length of the Cowal Peninsula.

It starts at Portavadie, beside Loch Fyne, and finishes in at Ardgartan, by Loch Long. It is 47 miles (75 km) long, climbing 5050 ft (1540 m) on the way. The route follows existing rights of way and public roads, most of which are extremely quiet, or cross Forestry Commission land, which includes a good deal of open hill. Access is not an issue. For the mountain bikers there is also the more local to where you are staying Glen Kin way an easy 6 mile / 10 Km circuit of a small glen in Cowal, Argyll that suits beginners and provides more experienced riders with optional challenges For the mountain bikers there is also the more local to where you are staying Glen Kin way an easy 6 mile / 10 Km circuit of a small glen in Cowal, Argyll that suits beginners and provides more experienced riders with optional challenges For more information on guided walks, please contact Nikki Dayton Tel 01369 860324.

You can also hire bikes daily / Weekly from either Quadmania Ltd 01369 810246 Or ProAdventure Scotland 01369 707456 The highly acclaimed Loch Fyne Oster Restaurant and it’s fantastic seafood shop Toward point and lighthouse (top ) and the array of wildlife living around this point 10 miles south of Dunoon (below) Evenings out and the local area Your Accommodation Local Area Information Enquiries + Bookings Travel Directions Local Mountain Biking Loch Eck and Fishing Fantastic Day Trips The Cowal Peninsula Within a 50 metre walk from North Lodge you reach the shores of Loch Long. Within 10 miles drive The ‘TV famous’ Whistlefield Inn a 14th Century inn with an open fire and inviting atmosphere. a fantastic selection of Malt Whisky and beers and a restaurant with great food and panoramic views over Loch Eck, the Inn is full of intrigue and history and you may well hear of ancient tales of smugglers, tunnels, ghosts and even an ancient massacre during your visit to the Inn. The Inn gained its well-deserved recognition on the TV series ‘The House detectives’.

A little further afield the Coylet Inn again beside Loch Eck very inviting with great food and drink. The nearest good Pub / Bar is the Cot House Hotel, Kilmun, open Monday to Sunday for exellent food and entertainment Tel 01369 840260. There is also The Pier hotel at Kilmun. The nearest shop is the Kilmun General Store Tel 01369 840261. The nearest petrol station is the Cot House filling station 1 mile away, very well stocked. There is also a Doctor’s surgery at Kilmun. Further afield in Blairmore less than 6 miles there is a small village shop, a craft and gallery plus tea shop. There is also a an “antique” shop. In the village of Strone, 3 miles the Strone Inn opens for good food and drink. There is also have a mobile shop with fresh fish and vegetables calling every Tuesday between 1 and 2 p.m. Laura carries an enormous range of very fresh fish fruit and vegetables. There is an hourly bus service into Dunoon.

A Yellow Boat Taxi operates from Lochgoil to Ardentinny (on demand) or as and when people wish it in the summer time. The area is fantastic for walking and the owners will more than happily supply you with information and maps of all the long and short walks it is very safe for dogs as all these walks are all off the road. Ardentinny also have the best sandy bay in the district which is very safe for children and for swimming and where there are toilets and picnic tables. The 14th century Whistlefield Inn (Left) and the Oyster Catcher” Inn / Restaurant (Right) Holy Loch Self Catering – Accommodation Your Accommodation Local Area Information Enquiries + Bookings Travel Directions Local Mountain Biking Loch Eck and Fishing Fantastic Day Trips The Cowal Peninsula North Lodge dating back to the 1930’s was originally the ballroom of the former adjacent Kilmun Convalescent home constructed in the late 19th century, it’s high ceilings in the sitting room attest to this original function.

The former now converted to Luxury Holiday Homes and Apartments North Lodge fully electrically heated comprises a comfortable and cosy open plan Sitting / Dining room seating for 6 People, Sofas 1, Armchairs 3, with Television, DVD and CD player. There are three bedrooms (One Double room and Two Twin rooms) with the option of a comfortable sofa bed in the sitting room. A child’s cot is available on request. There is also a Bathroom / WC / Shower and a further separate shower room / WC. The kitchen has: Crockery & Cutlery Provided, Microwave, Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Gas cooker, Oven, Freezer, Fridge, Grill, Toaster There are 2 Bathrooms and 2 Toilets and a Dining room table and chairs for 6 people Regret for safety reasons and Scottish law no smoking inside the cottage please.

Boat hire on Loch Eck and fishing permits Motor boats are available from (£12 per hour / £40 per day / £25 half day) Rowing boats are available at the Coylet Inn by Loch Eck from £5 per hour / £15 per day / £10 half day Tel 01369 840576 or 01369 840426. Salmon Fishing permits are available for the river Eachaig from May and Loch Long from early February at £5 per day / £20 per 7 days. The Brown Trout Season is from the 15th of March until the 6th of October, Coarse fishing, Sea fishing and Rainbow Trout fishing are permitted all year round and no national rod licence is required in Scotland. Fishing permits of all kinds are available from the Coylet Inn Tel 01369 840426 Fishing Tackle hire in Dunoon For the novice and if you are not bringing your own fishing tackle you can visit or call the tackle shop in Dunoon. I.C. Purdie 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon. Tel.

01369 703232 for fishing advice and permits for all the local Lochs and Rivers. Scale of Weekly Hire Charges Lowest Season Weeks £336, High Season Weeks £500 The Hire charges include all Towels and Bedding, Heating and Electricity is supplementary by meter Pet Friendly – Yes by prior arrangement only, up to 2 well-behaved pets are welcome a supplement of £10 per pet per booking applies. Pets must be kept under strict control at all times around the gardens and must not be allowed in the bedrooms, or on any furniture. North Lodge Kilmun by the River Eachaig & Holy Loch For any help or assistance with this or any other enquiry please call 01729 851181, text’s to 07885 211787 – you will not find this Lodge listed anywhere else for any less. Phone lines are open 09:00am to 10:30pm 7 days a week. General Booking enquiry – please note this does not constitute a booking: General Booking Terms and Conditions Self Catering Scotland 100's of Owner Direct self catering holidays in Scotland.

Quality 3, 4 and 5 star Holiday Cottages, Lodges, Log Cabins and Chalets in Scotland from the Mull of Kintyre, Argyll, Loch Lomond the Trossachs to the Cairngorms, John o' Groats, Sutherland, Isles of Mull, Harris, Lewis, Orkney, Skye - Established 1999 - Fast Service - Great Value ! Site Map Holy Loch, inc. Marina [Expanded View] - West Scotland and North of Ireland: pilotage, charts, photos and marine business listings Charges here work out at a very reasonable £2.20 per metre, which includes electricity. They have a deal for "second night half price for a two day stay" and an attractive weekly rate (£14.30pm). A lunchtime stop (up to four hours) will cost you £5.50. Local facilities in this area are covered in the next section. On the northern side of the loch, again there are various anchoring possibilities, and reports of visitors mooring buoys laid to the West of the disused pier just in from Strone Point.

Other possibilities are around Gibb's Point, and to the North West of the stone pier at the village of Kilmun. Water is obtainable at the pier, and again there have been reports of nearby visitors moorings. Village facilities will be found ashore at Kilmun including shops are post office and a nearby Hotel. If nosing around the northern shore looking for an anchorage, pay particular attention to the various charted rocks shown, all within the 5 m contour (at CD), and also note the foul area laying to the west of Graham's point. Facilities Holy Loch Marina offers full facilities to visiting craft, with dredged depths of 3m below LWS. Power and water are available on the pontoons, toilets and shower and laundry facilities ashore. Both Calor and Camping gas are available, together with a fuel berth selling diesel and petrol. A chandlery and coffee shop are on site. Boats can be lifted and stored ashore here up to 23 tonnes, 60ft max. Marine engineers are based at the Marina, together with an antifouling removal specialist. Clyde Sea Recovery, various charter operators and brokers will be found too.

Trailer sailers are catered for at the Marina, with access at all tidal range and a charge of £18 for launching and recovery. Ashore at the village will be found shops, post office, grocer/off licence and a Pub/Restaurant. There is a bus service into Dunoon for major supplies (and for pipe smokers an old fashioned tobacco shop on the High street) History The Holy Loch is a sea loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Open to the Firth of Clyde at its eastern end, the loch is approximately one mile wide and between two and three miles (5 km) long, varying with the tide. The town of Dunoon on the Cowal peninsula lies on the shores of the Clyde just to the south of the loch, and houses continue round the villages of Kirn, Hunter's Quay at the point with the landing slip for Western Ferries, Ardnadam and past Lazaretto Point, the village of Sanbank, with open countryside at the end of the loch, then on the northern shore Kilmun, and at Strone Point the village of Strone continues round to the western shore of the Clyde, almost joining Blairmore on Loch Long.

The name Holy Loch is believed to date from the 6th century, when Saint Munn landed there after leaving Ireland. All the villages used to have piers served by Clyde steamers, and now Western Ferries runs between Hunters Quay and McInroy's Point on the outskirts of Gourock, while the Caledonian MacBrayne service runs from Dunoon to Gourock pierhead. At the end of the loch a road runs past the Benmore Botanic Garden and Arboretum (also known as the Younger Botanic Gardens) to scenic Loch Eck and on towards Oban. During World War II the loch was used by the Royal Navy as a submarine base, served by the depot ship Forth. The loch was used extensively for trials and exercises by Royal Navy submarines during the Second World War, the submarines Vandal and Untamed were lost in the Clyde after being sunk by accidents during exercises. Untamed was later salvaged. Near the Holy Loch an anti-submarine boom was constructed between Dunoon and the Cloch Point Lighthouse to defend waters from German U-boats.

US Navy Between 1961 and 1992, Holy Loch was the site of the United States Navy's "FBM Refit Site One". It was the home base of Submarine Squadron 14, part of Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. To make maximum usage of it Submarine-launched ballistic missile deterent force, American military had determined that it required an overseas base for refit and crew turnover. Negotiations with the British Government began as early as March 1959 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower mentioned the need to British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan at a meeting at Camp David. Holy Loch was one of several locations on or near the Firth of Clyde considered for the refit site. Others were Faslane, the channel between Largs and Cumbrae, Rosneath Bay, and Rothesay Bay. Site selection criteria included the requirements for a sheltered anchorage, relative proximity to an international airport, and sufficient shore facilities to provide housing for military personnel and their families.

Agreement for the use of Holy Loch was reached near the end of 1960 and the arrival of the first tender, USS Proteus (AS-19) scheduled for December of that year. Divisions within the British government and concerns about protests by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) caused her arrival to be rescheduled to Friday 3 March 1961. Between 1961 and 1982, the Naval Support Activity ashore was administered by US Naval Activities London. In 1982, Naval Support Activity, Forward Base, Holy Loch, Scotland became its own command. NAVSUPPACT ultimately managed 42 facilities and leased 342 housing units for Navy personnel and their dependents. Robertson's Yard Alexander Robertson started repairing boats in a small workshop at Sandbank in 1876, and Alexander Robertson and Sons Ltd (Yachtbuilders) went on to become one of the foremost wooden boat builders on Scotland's River Clyde. The 'golden years' of Robertson's yard were in the early 1900s when they started building classic 12 & 15 Metre racing yachts.

Robertsons was well known for the quality of its workmanship and was chosen to build the first 15-Metre yacht designed by the legendary William Fife (Shimna, 1907). More than 55 boats were built by Robertsons in preparation for the First World War and the yard remained busy even during the Great Depression in the 1930s, as many wealthy businessmen developed a real passion for yacht racing on the Clyde. During World War II the yard was devoted to Admiralty work, producing a wide range of large high speed Fairmile Marine Motor Boats (MTB's and MGB's). After the war the yard built the successful one-class Loch Longs and two David Boyd designed 12-Metre challengers for the America's Cup: Sceptre (1958) and Sovereign (1964). Due to difficult business conditions the Robertson family sold the yard in 1965, and it was turned over to GRP production work (mainly Pipers and Etchells) until it closed in 1980. During its 104 year history, Robertson's Yard built 500 boats, many of which are still sailing today.

The yard ceased trading in the early 1980's and the site was levelled soon after. The site has since been consumed by residential building and the new Holy Loch Marina development. The text on this HISTORY page is covered by the following licence Eating, Drinking & Entertainment Only the local village facilities already mentioned are in the immediate area of the Marina. The nearby town of Dunoon offers much more choice for the hungry and thirsty crew. If you are here for the last weekend in August do not miss the Cowal Highland gathering - Balmoral is a side show by comparison. Every Pipe band in Scotland worth its kilts shows up and many from around the world. There are various pubs/hotels and cuisines ranging from Indian to Italian... The links below may give you an idea: Pubs: Argyll Forest Park - Forestry Commission Scotland Argyll Forest Park Where great forests meet Atlantic shores Argyll Forest Park Argyll Forest Park is a land of craggy peaks and hidden glens, peaceful sea lochs and rushing rivers. Established in 1935, it’s Britain’s oldest Forest Park – and some folk say it’s the best!

The park stretches from the Holy Loch, an inlet of the Firth of Clyde, to the jagged peaks of the Arrochar Alps. It owes its rugged scenery to being at one end of the Highland Boundary Fault, the great crack in the Earth’s surface that marks the line between Lowland and Highland Scotland. Wild places, but easy to reach Although it’s only a short distance from Glasgow, it’s easy to find wild places here. Head to Ardentinny for relaxing, easy trails along a river and through bluebell woods, or Glenbranter to watch red squirrels. Just next to the holiday resort of Dunoon, Corlarach is a great place to get away from it all and perhaps glimpse red deer . Marvellous mountain biking The park has some fantastic cross-country mountain biking routes. There’s a whole network of trails from Ardgartan , including a circuit round the peninsula that makes a thrilling day out. Browse our suggestions below, and check out the Argyll Forest Park map to help you plan your trip. Keep it clean You’ll notice disinfectant mats at the entrance/exit to some of our trails. This helps minimise the spread of tree disease and keeps our forests healthy for the future.

Please use them to clean any boots, paws or wheels. Please choose the location you want to search Search by town Secret Scotland - Holy Loch Holy Loch Holy Loch Recent Page Trail: The Holy Loch is a sea loch which lies two miles north of Dunoon on the Cowal peninsula. Approximately one mile across, the loch extends inland for between two and three miles the west, depending on the tide. The entrance lies on the west coast of the Firth of Clyde, marked by Strone Point to the north, and Hunter's Quay to the south. Origin of the name The name of the Holy Loch has a number of stories related to its creation, ranging from pre-Christian tales of Sun or Sun-god worship in the area (which has a number standing stones), through Saint Mungo (also known as St Kentigern, patron saint and founder of Glasgow) in the 6th century and the story of a ship being lost in the loch while carry soil from the holy land to be laid under Glasgow Cathedral (Saint Mungo was buried on the site in AD 612), to Saint Munn in the 10th century, who landed there from Ireland.

While these stories are often found expanded in greater detail, all are vague and none can be related to documented records which can be cited as reference sources, and are mentioned here for that reason, as there seems to no verifiable history of the name. Lazaretto Point � william craig Lazaretto Point lies on the southwest shore of the Holy Loch , and lies between Ardnadam to the west, and Sandbank to the east. Directly opposite Lazaretto Point, on the northeast shore of the loch, is Graham's Point, once connected by a small ferry which sailed between the two points. Lazaretto Point Quarantine Station Lazaretto Point was the site of a quarantine station, built in 1807 the station was installed to prevent the importation of disease along with the bales of cotton arriving by boat. The station was demolished in 1840. Described by the Concise Oxford Dictionary as a word of Italian origin, lazaretto is defined as "a hospital (chiefly in foreign countries) for diseased poor, esp.

lepers; building or ship for performing quarantine in; after part of ship's hold used for stores." The name Lazaretto is probably derived from the parable of Lazarus, the sore-covered leper who became the patron saint of leprosy, being a combination of his name and Santa Maria di Nazareth, the church on the Venetian island where the first quarantine station was opened. During the Black Death of the 14th century, Venice established the first formal system of quarantine, requiring ships to lay at anchor for 40 days before landing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) traces the beginnings of quarantine to the 14th century: "A period of 40 days or 'quarantenaria' became established later as the usual period of isolation for sea-borne travellers and goods suspected of harbouring infectious diseases. From this the word 'quarantine' was derived.". Although there do not appear to be any other instances of Lazaretto being used in the UK, the name can be found on a number of similar locations around the world. Lazaretto Point War Memorial A large war memorial in the form of a round tower is sited on Lazaretto Point.

Built during the 1920s, in remembrance of those who fell in World War I, the names of those who have fallen in subsequent conflicts have since been added, together with those lost in incidents in the Holy Loch . The monument has become a focal point for American personnel who served at the US Submarine Base which was located there for 31 years, until 1992. The memorial sits on a relatively exposed point of land, which is subject to sea erosion, meaning that the monument is in danger of being lost if the site is note maintained. In 2005, refurbishment works were carried out at a cost believed to be approaching �40,000. The Holy Loch American Veterans Association collected �300 towards the work, which was presented to the Sandbank Community Development Trust, to be used as part-payment of the �500 restoration cost associated with the lamp mounted on the stone pillar west of the main monument. US submarine refit facility Site One Site One was a US submarine refit facility which was located on the southern shore of the Holy Loch for 31 years.

In autumn 1959, the US Government had to provide forward servicing facilities for the first SSBN squadron to be based in the UK, and studies were carried out to determine the most suitable location for such a refit facility, leading to the final selection of the Holy Loch in July 1960. The area offered deep, sheltered access, and had already seen service during World War II, as a Royal Navy submarine base. Following an approach to the British government, requesting permission to establish a refit site in the United Kingdom for Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) submarines, an agreement was negotiated which permitted the US to use the Holy Loch, on the Firth of Clyde, for the anchorage of a submarine tender, a large dry dock, and other supporting craft. SUBRON 14 Insignia Submarine Squadron 14, referred to as SUBRON -14, was assigned to the Holy Loch. Unlike a more conventional squadron, a submarine squadron commander and his staff always remain in home port, and are responsible only for the training, equipping and administering of the ships under its umbrella.

March 3, 1961, SUBRON -14 (Submarine Squadron 14) arrived on the Holy Loch, with the submarine tender USS Proteus (AS 19). FBM Refit Site One became active as Commodore Ward embarked. March 6, 1961, USS Patrick Henry ( SSBN 599) arrived, and Proteus commenced the first Site One refit. January 1963, the Proteus was relieved by the USS Hunley (AS 31). August 1966, the Hunley was relieved by the USS Simon Lake (AS 33). May 1970, the Simon Lake was relieved the USS Canopus (AS 34). November 1975, the Canopus was relieved by the USS Holland (AS 32). January 1982, the Holland was relieved by Hunley (for a 2nd tour). June 1987, the Hunley was relieved by the Simon Lake (for a second tour) which served until March 1992.

On June 1, 1961, the four sections making up the floating dry dock USS Los Alamos (AFDB 7) were towed into the Holy Loch. A crew of 500 men from Mobile Construction Battalion 4, the Seabees, spent the next five months to assembling the vessel, which became fully operational in November 1961. This marked the beginning over 30 years of almost continuous service on the waters of the Clyde, during which the Los Alamos completed over 2,800 submarine docking operations. The floating dock could handle up to five submarines, with four being moored alongside while one was raised within the dock itself. Los Alamos' service was not continuous, and in 1969 she left the Holy for almost a year when she was towed the Scott Lithgow yard at Port Glasgow to allow essential maintenance and overhaul work to be carried out. The number of submarines supported by SUBRON -14 varied over the years, however an indication of the scale of the operation can be seen in the number of patrols carried out.

On April 2, 1987, the USS Mariano G Vallejo ( SSBN 658), completed the 2,500th Ballistic Missile Deterrent Patrol to be carried out by the submarine fleet. SUBRON-14 expanded rapidly as the personnel gained experience and the number of supported submarines grew, but there would never a base at Holy Loch; instead, the US Navy facilities were integrated with the local community, with Sandbank and Dunoon providing shore facilities. In May 1962, the US Navy arranged for the old Ardnadam Hotel to be converted into an enlisted mens' club, commissary and exchange. All personnel lived ashore, residing in rooms or homes rented from members of the local community. American children received their education in primary schools in Dunoon, Kirn, Sandbank and St Munn�s, then in Dunoon Grammar School when they were older. Americans became active participants in many community related events. As tensions eased over the years, and the Cold War eventually came to an end with the demise of the Soviet Union, the closure of the base became inevitable, with the announcement being made February 6, 1991.

In March 1992, the last US Navy ship, the submarine tender USS Simon Lake, sailed out of the Holy Loch, ending thirty one years of American presence in the area. 1968 Queen Mother visit vetoed In January 2014, declassified state documents opened and placed in the National Archives at Kew, revealed that the MoD had supported proposals which could have seen a royal visit take place at the American base: THE Queen Mother was banned from visiting an American nuclear base in Scotland, newly released files have revealed. Plans were drawn up for the Royal matriarch to inspect the US nuclear fleet at the Holy Loch in Argyll at the height of the Cold War. The Ministry of Defence hoped the high-profile visit would act as a demonstration of British gratitude for American military support and shore up the special relationship between the two countries. However, the UK�s most senior diplomat cancelled the proposed tour amid fears that it could lead to the Queen Mother being targeted by anti-Vietnam war protesters. Previously classified state documents, which have now been opened and placed in the National Archives at Kew, show the MoD was keen for America�s Scottish-based arsenal to get royal approval.

A letter sent by Sir Michael Cary, a senior civil servant at the MoD, to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 31 January 1968 states: �A short while ago Maurice Foley, the Navy�s under secretary of state, accompanied the commander in chief of the US Navy in Europe on a brief visit to Holy Loch and spent a few hours aboard the USS Simon Lake. �His enthusiastic reception left him strongly of the opinion that we should seize every opportunity to show our appreciation of the massive United States effort in this part of the deterrent field. �It has occurred to us, therefore, that it might be possible to include a visit to the Simon Lake in the course of the Queen Mother�s forthcoming visit to Faslane in May. I am taking this opportunity of writing to you before we make any approach to the Palace.� However, Sir Paul Gore-Booth, the head of the diplomatic service, rejected the proposal, fearing that it could generate enormous controversy and potentially put the Queen Mother at risk.

He wrote back, stating: �The present time, with the Vietnam controversy heightened by the current Vietcong offensive and a consequent increase in criticism in Britain of American policies, hardly seems propitious for advising the Queen Mother to make a gesture of this kind. �It is accepted policy that members of the Royal Family should never be involved in controversial political matters and a visit to the USS Simon Lake would, at best, involve the Queen Mother in public controversy, while, at worst, there might well be embarrassing incidents. �In either event any benefit to Anglo-American relations would be largely lost.� A final missive sent on 22 February 1968 confirms that the MoD was forced to make a humiliating U-turn on the proposed royal visit -Queen Mother kept from US nuclear base in Scotland - The Scotsman. [1] 50 year anniversary As noted above, the first US ship arrived in the Holy Loch on March 3, 1961, making 2011 the 50th anniversary of the event, and the event was marked by an article in the Dunoonn Observer online.

[2] Notable is the mention of the arrival of the depot ship USS Proteus, which had been converted to be the first Polaris submarine tender during 1959-61, and had required the insertion of a 44-foot section amidships, where the missiles would be serviced. The US Navy had originally planned for Proteus to arrive on March 4. However, the British authorities pointed out that this was a Saturday, and the ship's arrival at the weekend would allow a large number of protesters and demonstrators to travel to Dunoon, and persuaded the Americans to bring the arrival forward by one day, to Friday, March 3. Footnotes Contributed by a resident of the time: Many readers will be familiar with the American Nuclear Submarine Base that existed here for just over 30 years. The USS Proteus arrived in 1961, to howls of protest from the CND movement. Over the years floating docks and support vessels were added. In 1992, the USS Simon Lake sailed down and out of the Firth of Clyde - the occupation was over. In 1961, Dunoon found itself suddenly transformed from a slightly rundown seaside resort to a garrison town.

In the early days the Yanks brought their Chevies and Caddies with them. Most of them had crumpled righthand front fenders (wings), the roads here were narrow, often single carriageway, and in an emergency the Americans pulled to the right with the inevitable consequence. Crews being sent here were given a handbook containing such gems as "Do not take your guns with you, the Brits do not like guns and you will need a licence for them". At one point, Dunoon was named as the town with the most taxis per head of population. Pubs and clubs prospered, but what of the rest of the town? The Americans brought their own services. Their bank stood on what is now the Co-op car park. What is now Walkers DIY/Garden Centre/Cafe was the PX Stores, which sold everything American, including petrol (or as they would have it "Ethyl" and "Super Ethyl"). Their financial impact on the town was not as great as many people thought. What may have been forgotten is that the area went through similar periods before. At beginning of the 20th century the Loch was home to some sections of the Reserve Fleet.

In April 1907, The Argyllshire Standard reported that the Third Class Battleship HMS Conqueror (the seventh of that name) was sold for scrap to TW Ward of Sheffield for �16,800, and the First Class Cruiser HMS Undaunted was sold to Harris Bros of Bristol for �14,400. A third ship, the First Class Battleship Sans Pareil (the third of that name) was also sold to TW Ward, for �26,600. The first two were moored in the Holy Loch, with the the third lying in the Kyles of Bute, near Rothesay. In August 1907, the same paper reported that the battleship HMS Hero was towed from the Loch by another battleship, HMS Hindustan, and taken to Portsmouth, there to be sunk and used as an underwater target for submarine torpedo practice. During World War II the Holy Loch was used temporarily as a British submarine base. Initially HMS Titania was the depot ship alongside which the submarines moored and at the end of 1941 she was replaced by HMS Forth.

In order to retain her status as a seagoing ship, she is said to have gone to sea for a couple of days a year, which entitled her crew to purchase duty-free cigarettes. She was joined by HMS Alrhada, then by HMS Wolfe, both of which were old passenger ships used to provide additional accommodation. Although the precise location is unconfirmed, the area is believed to have had its own degaussing station, which closed in 1945, leaving 20 redundant locals. In 1942, a permanent base was established in Rothesay Bay, which remained until 1957. Rumours circulated that the Depot Ship had to be moved because she was moored on top of a mountain of discarded beer cans! But this is probably untrue. Also in 1942, a new unit, the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment, sought volunteers for a hazardous mission. The selected men were trained on HMS Forth and in the surrounding area. They were training for Operation Frankton: a World War II British Combined Operations raid on shipping in Bordeaux harbour, France, in December 1942, carried out by twelve men using two-man Cockle MK II canoes.

A fictionalised version of the operation was later told in the 1955 film The Cockleshell Heroes, with Trevor Howard, Anthony Newley and Jos� Ferrer. The 1943 film We Dive at Dawn, starring John Mills, was filmed in the area, including scenes shot at a number of sites including HMS Forth and and Ardnadam Pier. The 1945 film Perfect Strangers, starring Robert Donat, Deborah Kerr and Glynis Jones, also filmed around the area of the loch. The 1982 film Who Dares Wins (motto of the Special Air Service [ SAS ]), starring Lewis Collins, features the Holy Loch as the intended target of a militant anti-nuclear group which takes over the residence of the American ambassador. They demand that a nuclear weapon be fired at the submarine base on the Holy Loch, or they will kill all the hostages and themselves. The plot was largely based on the Iranian Embassy Siege of 1980, in which the SAS stormed the building to rescue the hostages being held there. Photographs Depot Ships, USS Hunley, Floating Dock, and Polaris Submarines photographed in 1965.

Dock Holy Loch | View across the River Clyde to the Holy Loch fro… | Flickr View across the River Clyde to the Holy Loch from Gourock, Inverclyde, Scotland. Done Holy Loch Port, Argyll, Scotland - sheltered cruise terminal destination and deep anchorage at Holy Loch Marina, River Clyde, serving West of Scotland Contact / About Step ashore at Holy Loch and discover the splendour, history and welcome that is Scotland. Unlike other Clyde ports, Holy Loch Port gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the best scenery in Scotland before you even leave the ship. Holy Loch is one of the Clyde’s finest natural harbours. Its deep anchorage and well appointed Marina allow immediate entry into lovely Argyll and the ideal starting point for a variety of fascinating and enjoyable full and half day shore excursions. As “Marine Gateway to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park”, Holy Loch is within a stone’s throw of lochs, castles, mountains and picturesque villages.

Beyond the Cowal Peninsula, the array of stunning scenery and historical heritage unfolds – west to the beautiful Isle of Bute, the picturesque village of Inveraray and the port of Oban,”Gateway to the Isles”, north to the majestic mountain and loch scenery of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and east to the historic city of Stirling and the fashion, cultural and architectural centre that is Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. News Seatrade Fort Lauderdale Holy Loch Port are heading to Seatrade Fort Lauderdale from the 14th to the 16th March. We will be on stand 1635. Scotland named cruise destination of the year! Nominations were considered by a panel of industry executives, Seatrade Insider's global editorial team, cruise consultants, analysts and association experts from around the world. Black Sea Cruise Ports and Cruise the St Lawrence were also finalists. "The award shows, it’s not just a question of excellent physical infrastructure to attract cruise liners: Scotland delivers a world class, highly professional offering for cruise liner passengers, working with all our stakeholders across the tourism industry in Scotland to deliver a quality experience for everyone.”

Question: The Holy Loch is an inlet on which Scottish river
Answer: Clyde